The pinnacle of the US mission in Erbil met with a Kurdistan Regional Authorities (KRG) official as we speak to debate the continuing oil dispute in Iraq.
Consul Normal Irvin Hicks Jr. held a gathering with KRG Electrical energy and Pure Sources Minister Kamal Muhammad Salih. The 2 mentioned effectivity and sustainability within the autonomous area’s electrical energy sector, in addition to efforts to cut back gasoline emissions.
Following the sit-down, the consulate launched a press release calling for the KRG and federal authorities to resolve their dispute over the previous’s oil exports. Additionally they referred to as for oil contracts within the Kurdistan Area to be “respected,” in response to a press release.
“We help the KRG’s dialogue with the Authorities of #Iraq on hydrocarbons and agree present oil contracts should be revered,” the consulate stated on Fb.
Background: The Kurdistan Area exports oil and gasoline independently of the federal authorities in Baghdad, based mostly on a 2007 regulation. In February, the federal supreme court docket dominated the regulation unconstitutional, which the KRG instantly rejected.
Why it issues: The ruling has led to a prolonged dispute between the KRG and the federal authorities in Baghdad. Final week, the federal authorities threatened authorized motion in opposition to firms shopping for oil from the Kurdistan Area. The KRG promptly condemned the threat.
The US consulate’s reference to “oil contracts” being “revered” could possibly be a reference to some American oil firms ceasing operations in the Kurdistan Region below strain from Baghdad earlier this yr.
Know extra: This isn’t the primary time the US has addressed the difficulty. Final week, a State Division official informed the Kurdish information outlet Rudaw that the KRG and Baghdad ought to negotiate the matter in a approach that “helps present and future investments.”
